Fishing Both Sides of the River

[Guest]

Sandee, I would like to be able to fish both sides of the river legally. I know I have to have both Ontario and Minn. licenses, a RABC permit and the proper safety equipment in my boat. My question is about the live bait thing. I know you cannot take live bait across the border. If I cross the border and buy my bait, can I bring it back into Minnesota? This might be a stupid question but I am trying to figure out how I can fish both sides with live bait legally.
By the way, I really enjoy your website. Keep up the good work!!

Thanks,
Wally

[BDR]

I do this every year. I don't think it is legal to cross back with bait but I have never been asked. We go in and buy 10 dozen minnows with reciept and liscence,when coming back they have only asked what we were doing "buying liscence"and we are on our way no problems. I think the worst that could happen is you'd have to dump bait and be out $'s.But you still have the reciept, pretty hard to prove the new fatheads are american or canadien. I have been checked many times on the water by canada and if we are polite and have what is needed and seem to know thier rules they are very cool and remember you and may approach again but when they remember us they just chat about fishing, no rechecking.I always be extra polite because "they can keep me if they choose"

[Guest]

BDR,
Thanks for the reply. When the Canada MNR checks you, does the receipt have to be dated that particular day? Or can it be dated a day or two earlier? Just wondering if I have to cross every day if I'm up there for a week.
Thanks,
Wally

[BDR]

Wally, we use the same reciept for 10 days, I have never had to show more than once a year. But I buy @ 10 dozen just in case then I can say there the same minnows from the start although on a good day 2 of us go thru abou 5-6 dozen each day. Gets expensive on the bait,it is cheaper in US.If river is open by the 26th I will be there for a week. Good Luck!

[Guest]

We have fished both sides of the river many times. I buy all of our bait the night before on the US side and put them in ziplock bags with no water. I do not believe we could catch anymore fish with live bait than we do with semi-fresh dead bait. It also give us piece of mind to travel all over the river and fish anywhere we like.